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A caller says that he’s from the government and your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended. He sounds very professional. So you should do exactly what he says to fix things…right?

Wrong.

The FTC has gotten reports about scammers trying to trick people out of their personal information by telling them that they need to “reactivate” their supposedly “suspended” SSNs. The scammers say the SSN was suspended because of some connection to fraud or other criminal activity. They say to call a number to clear it up – where they’ll ask you for personal information.

Thing is, Social Security numbers do not get suspended. This is just a variation of a government imposter scam that’s after your SSN, bank account number, or other personal information. In this variation of the scheme, the caller pretends to be protecting you from a scam while he’s trying to lure you into one.

Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

  • Never give out or confirm personal information over the phone, via email or on a website until you’ve checked out whoever is asking you for it.
  • Do not trust a name, phone number, or email address just because it seems to be connected with the government. Con artists use official-sounding names and may fake caller ID or email address information to make you trust them. Besides, the government normally contacts people by postal mail.
  • Contact government agencies directly, using telephone numbers and website addresses you know to be legitimate.

If someone has tried to steal your personal information by pretending to be from the government, report it to the FTC.

 

Search Terms
scam
Topics
Credit, Loans, and Debt
Scams
Government Impersonators
Social Security Impersonators

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Gracers
March 22, 2019
My mother got three scam calls that said her social security number was blocked and could be suspended! 866-404-2355 866-404-2348 866-404-2334
Stephen
March 22, 2019
Over the past few hours have received 3 scam calls about suspended SSN...first was clearly scam as number was from Johur Bahru in Malaysia (+60-7-8789-2024); last 2 were "branded" as from Washington DC (202-475-2473; 202-151-8049). Identical recorded message (press 1!) each time. Beware.
scam calls
March 22, 2019
3 scam calls from numbers607 878 24336, 202 626 7368, 202 499 4667 leaving voicemails my ssn has been suspended
MJ
March 22, 2019
Just got a missed call/voicemail from 800-856-3213 saying my SSN was suspended.
Rudy
March 22, 2019
Just got a call, from 877 613 1213. A recorded message saying “your social security has been suspended due to suspicious activity. I hanged up, yesterday I did hear a story about it over the Spanish radio station.
Dany
March 22, 2019
I got a call from this number 7608785020 but did not answer it, then sent me a voicemail telling me the same as everyone thank God I did not answer it
arri
March 22, 2019
‭(332) 876-3007‬ is the number that called me
lifelongnavybrat
March 25, 2019
Got this call saying my SS was Suspended from 866-404-1922
Nikki217
March 25, 2019
Got a call today saying they were going to suspend my ssn due to fraudulent activity. I didn’t answer the phone call and a robot message was left. 1-866-404-1936
82X01
March 25, 2019
Just now received two calls from Texas regarding suspended SS num. One from San Angelo TX 325-304-1847 and the other from Abilene TX 325-268-1065.
Doug
March 25, 2019
+18886748564. Same SSN scam.
Me too
March 25, 2019
I just got a restricted number call and a robo voice telling me the SS for me is suspended.
Me
March 26, 2019
I was called from: 1 802 154 5645 - i gave them my name and zip - but that's public info. So i think i'm safe with that. But then they asked me for my dob and i asked don't you have the information - and they said they wanted to verify it from me and i said is there a number i can call to see if this is a valid call and they gave me a badge number of 61755 and then the call got disconnected. I think I'm still safe. i was a victim of identity theft and thought someone might be calling me since i called the SS office earlier this week. But good that i got suspicious and started to ask questions. And funny part is that they asked me how old i was - i was like don't you know? i guess i sound way younger than my age lol
MichaelSteven
March 26, 2019
(332) 871-0454 just left message saying that my social security number is suspended due to suspicious activity. Please beware of the scammers.
Suzzi
March 26, 2019
I got calls from 800-222-4357 and 800-922-0208. I hung up and added them to my blocked list but I'm sure there will be a new number coming through soon.
thetruth
March 26, 2019
I’m a naturalized American citizen and when I ve got this call I panicked !! But then I realized about some similar scam years ago !! I just blocked the number 1-866-404-3790 I’m Sick of those human trash annoying people !! I’m really concern about seniors who are not aware of this scam !! Again the number was 1-866-404-3790
Innocent Guy
March 26, 2019
#metoo :-) - 831-275-1803 , Accent sounds like Indian. I'm going to call them and prank them of course from common phone , Lol..
Xhex
March 26, 2019
281-765-3451 scam/fraud caller I just received a call today from Houston Texas stating that my s.s. had been suspended dont trust this number if you see it show up.
JRedd
March 26, 2019
SSN scam from 2817653451. Keep an eye out
Matt
March 26, 2019
Be aware of SSN robot call scam. I received two phone calls today from these numbers: (929) 698-9346 and (929) 270-4923 stating that "my SSN has been suspended because they found suspicious activities, and if I want to know about this case press 1 thank you" I didn't answer, but they left a message both times they called.
amayesn
March 26, 2019
Just got a call twice today from the number 19293533139 call is marked New York.
WontCallBack
March 26, 2019
Just got that SS# fraud call today from 1-469-856-8865. I never answer calls I don't know, so they left voice mail. Sounded robotic. They threatened me with legal action if I don't call back immediately. I won't call back. A few days ago I got repeated calls the my phone said were from the country of Jordan. 96277601 1617, 96277601 1921 , 96277601 0599. A few days prior to that I got calls from an 866 number.
trish
March 26, 2019
A man called to tell me that my SS number had been used for car theft and money laundering under my name. He told me that the call was being recorded and that if I hung up or mentioned "scam," I would be arrested for money laundering and car theft and put in jail for 9 years. He told me to go the nearest grocery store to get 2 Google Play cards, each for $500.00. Then he said that 2 government officers would be at my house tomorrow with a new SS card. (FYI---Social Security doesn't make house calls.) He wanted to know the name of the closest grocery store. I said Albertson's. So I went to Albertson's and was told by the manager that this was a scam and to block that number from my phone. She said that several people had been in there for the same scam. Two of them believed the guy and gave him $1,000.00 in Google Play cards. Man, these people can sure come up with a story! I called the police, and an officer just came to the house. I told the officer everything that happened. I blocked that 800 number on my phone.
Jsw
March 26, 2019
Got a call today from 332-874-6065. “This call is from the Department of social security administration the reason you have received his phone call from our department is to inform you that we just suspend your Social Security number because we found some suspicious activity so if you want to know about this case just press one thank you…”
antiscammer
March 27, 2019
Hanging up and ignoring these people does not work. What might if everyone did it is to engage them and scam them back. Press 1 or whatever when they call to get a real person and then give them a made up social security number and a made up name and address etc. Let them spend time chasing down what they think is a real account.
Wildurban
March 27, 2019
Just received three calls... called ID 8004840170 call back number 8008207415 both with male and female computer generated voices.
Snoodle
March 27, 2019
I have had nine calls since Friday that claim my ss# has been breached. When I called the number back, a foreigner answered the call. I hung up immediately. The numbers that they have used are always 1-800 numbers, but the endings vary: 903-0612 on 3/26 at 0:31, 0:24, and twice at 0:32; 472-6104 on 3/25 at 0:47; 674-9825 on 3/22 at 0:40 and 0:47; also 3/22, 998-8117 at 0:32 and 0:24. Apparently, they like to call at noon.
MNCFO
March 27, 2019
I just got same robocall from 802-154-5645 saying my Social Security Number was suspended.
Think
March 27, 2019
I got a call today, saying the same from 332 870-4504, keep and eye out for it.
Untouchable
March 27, 2019
This number is also a scam: 800-564-1244.
Amrit
March 27, 2019
I got the same Robo call too.. I did not answer it so it went to my voicemail.. Asked me to press 1 to know more..
Jher
March 27, 2019
I just got from an unknown caller.
KatyMayon't us…
March 27, 2019
My call is showing from Sierra Leone 232 28796963. Same drill, my SS is going to be suspended because of fraudulent activity.
KET
March 27, 2019
877-816-8715 Pre-recorded female voice stating that your social security number has been frozen due to activity and that it will remain suspended permanently without further action. It suggests you press 1 to speak to a "Federal agent" then hangs up after another threat it will be permanent.
Cherry
March 27, 2019
I Received A Call From Them Dummies Today
Annoyed
March 27, 2019
I have received 4 of this same message today, 3/27/19.
Amy
March 27, 2019
Got this call 4 times today. I could tell it was fake but I'm worried about young people.
xee
March 27, 2019
3328774640 received call from this number saying my ss# was suspended.
Moe
March 28, 2019
888-810-0257 Called with the same robotic voice, I hung up before a person came in the line.
Robin
March 28, 2019
I got the call twice from 877 884 1213
Macmag
March 29, 2019
Just received a call that left a message claiming that my social security number had been cancelled, figured it was a scam and figured I would Google it.
puttyteetat
March 29, 2019
Had call from 888++275-1696 several times today. Called them back and used some combinations pf curse words that they problably won't ever hear strung together so fluently ever again. Tried to be nice at first, but all bets are off when they start getting foul mouthed. Ladies can and do know how to swear, especially when dad was sailor
haidenmom75
March 29, 2019
I just received a robo call where proper english grammar was not used. Originated out of Chicago 773-661-4072. Basically same message that others have been getting. My SSN is being suspended due to fraudulent activity and to press #1 for more information. I didn't press 1 and the phone hung up on me. If you get robo calls pay attention to the grammar being used as well. This would be an immediate red flag.
NotTodayScammers
March 29, 2019
I got a voice mail from (281) 461-6235 saying my SSN was suspended for whatever reason the robot voice mumbled incoherently, and to press one to remedy the issue. Nice try scammers, but not today. Wanted to make sure this number was out there so nobody gets fooled by some jerk trying to take what we all work hard for.
shi86
March 29, 2019
I got 3 robotic calls today with the message saying my ssn has been suspended also. The number has been different every time 888-810-9063, 888-810- 9059 and 888-810-9054
Dobered
March 29, 2019
Why can't our government do something about these calls?
master_sri
April 01, 2019
Received a recorded message today stating social security suspended. Call back number was 214-272-0408
SayNoToRobo
April 01, 2019
They keep calling me. I connected to a person and began my pizza order. I wasted a few minutes of their time before they hung up.
Cathy A.
April 01, 2019
I've started getting these calls from a Malaysian number. Also, prior, I received a call from a KY number. When I spoke with a "real person" he called me "baby" and said we met at a club. Insane. The man sounded like he had an Indian accent.
Humboldt
April 02, 2019
Got the call this morning from (929)310-6126. Let it go to voicemail. Really friendly sounding guy saying my SSN had been suspended due to fraudulent activity. If I wanted to know more, press one. I blocked it and am moving on. Didn't even bother calling from an 888 or 800 number like the folks who actually work there would.
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